Sidedoor

Discover the intriguing origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, first recited in 1892, as it evolved from a marketing tool into a symbol of national unity. Uncover the impact of the Civil War and anti-immigrant sentiments that shaped its relevance during the late 1800s. Explore how patriotic education in classrooms crafted national identity and how societal pressures morphed the pledge through pivotal historical moments like the Cold War. Dive into the complexities of patriotism, enriched by artifacts and thoughtful book recommendations.

When a black bear in Minnesota woke up from hibernation in the middle of winter and attacked three people and a dog, researchers were left with one question: Why?***This episode of the Points North podcast is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor. Credits: Producer: Ellie Katz Editor: Morgan Springer Additional Editing: Michael Livingston, Dan Wanschura Additional Production: Matthew Mikkelsen of Hayloft Audio Music: Blue Dot Sessions

Dive into the shocking world of turtle trafficking, where backyard collectors and smugglers put these ancient creatures at risk. Learn about the unbelievable stories of turtles hidden in pants and the struggles of those trying to rescue them post-seizure. Discover the vital role of herpetologists in combating wildlife crime and how community involvement can help protect these vulnerable species. With gripping tales of undercover operations, the urgent fight to save turtles from extinction unfolds, highlighting their ecological importance.

Turtles have been around for 200 million years—outliving dinosaurs, surviving ice ages, and basically minding their own business the whole time. Tough on the outside, chill on the inside, they seem built to last. So why are they suddenly disappearing? In part one of this two-part series, we hit the trail in search of one surprisingly elusive reptile: the eastern box turtle. These ancient creatures may seem slow, but their decline is happening fast. And the scariest part? We barely understand what it could mean.Guests:Thomas Akre, head of the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Maxwell Earle, outreach and engagement coordinator for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Chris Polinski, lab manager for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Dive into the unexpected world of leeches! From quirky home stories involving these slimy roommates to their surprising roles in medical practice, there's much to discover. The podcast unveils how leeches are reshaping art and ecology, challenging fears and illuminating their significance in wetland ecosystems. Witness artists redefine perceptions through performance and hear captivating tales from Smithsonian collections. Join a journey of transformation as fear turns into admiration for these misunderstood creatures!

The Gilded Age was a time of unparalleled wealth and prosperity in America — but it was also a time of staggering inequality, corruption, and unchecked power. Among its richest figures was Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate who built his fortune on the backs of low-paid workers, only to give it away — earning him the nickname the Godfather of American Philanthropy. He didn’t just fund libraries and universities — he championed a philosophy: that it was the duty of the ultra-wealthy to serve the public good.But, as it turns out, even philanthropy is a form of power. So, what exactly have wealthy philanthropists done with their power? We explore that question at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, inside Carnegie’s former mansion. There, a board game called Philanthropy invites players to reimagine the connection between money and power — not by amassing wealth, but by giving it away.Guests: Christina de León, Associate Curator of Latino Design at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Tommy Mishima, artist and co-creator (with Liam Lee) of the installation “Game Room” in Cooper Hewitt's triennial Making Home David Nasaw, author of the biography Andrew Carnegie 

Ann Druyan, the creative director behind the Voyager Golden Record, shares her insights on curating the ultimate mixtape for potential extraterrestrial life. She reveals the fascinating blend of art, science, and culture that went into selecting music and images to capture humanity's essence. The conversation touches on the humor and complexities of communicating with the cosmos, and how love and music intertwine in this grand endeavor. Druyan also reflects on the record's legacy and what it reveals about us to potential alien listeners.

In this fascinating conversation, Kali Holder, an anatomic pathologist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, shares her insights into the mysteries of animal health. She dives into intriguing cases, like the dizzy kudu and a rhino with an unexplained skin disease. Kali describes her work in the necropsy lab, revealing the emotional and scientific challenges faced in animal healthcare. She also touches on the complex social dynamics of naked mole rats and the interconnectedness of ecosystem health and wildlife conservation. Get ready for a deep dive into veterinary forensics!

In this engaging discussion, Cita Sadeli, known as MISS CHELOVE, dives into the transformative impact of public art. As a muralist and designer, she highlights how bold color and symbolism can reshape urban identities. She shares her journey from personal loss to creating meaningful community murals that inspire locals. The conversation also touches on the significance of public spaces in storytelling and cultural expression, illustrating how art fosters connections and reflects the vibrant tapestry of community life.

Cellphones put the power of the world at our fingertips. With the touch of a finger, you can instantly connect with your doctor, have food delivered to your office or simply obliterate your niece at Words with Friends. And it's all made possible by rocks formed millions of years ago, deep underground. Join us as we bust open our devices to figure out how these stones power our phones.Guests:Joshua A. Bell, curator of globalization at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural HistoryMichael Wise, geologist in the department of mineral sciences at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural HistoryJosh Lepawsky, professor of geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland